Menomonie, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to the perfect blend of community charm and modern living. This delightful town offers a quality of life that captivates residents and visitors alike, setting the stage for a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. With a population just shy of 17,000, Menomonie is large enough to offer diverse opportunities yet
small enough to maintain a close-knit sense of belonging.
Nature lovers will revel in its picturesque outdoor spaces, such as Lake Menomin and the Red Cedar State Trail, perfect for exploring, biking, or a leisurely family picnic. The town’s heart beats strongly with local pride, seen in community events like arts festivals and farmer’s markets. Such gatherings foster a sense of unity and celebration among all who
4 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue
Hello Menomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue |5
Menomonie, Wisconsin
participate.
Education and innovation thrive here, thanks to the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The university injects youthful energy and innovative ideas into the town, enriching both the cultural fabric and economic landscape.
Whether you're indulging in culinary delights at local eateries, shopping in unique downtown boutiques, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Menomonie promises a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. It's more than just a place to live; it's a community where people grow together.
Menomonie, Wisconsin: A Vibrant Community with a Warm Heart
Menomonie, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to the perfect blend of community charm and modern living. This delightful town offers a quality of life that captivates residents and visitors alike, setting the stage for a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. With a population just shy of 17,000, Menomonie is large enough to offer diverse opportunities yet small enough to maintain a close-knit sense of belonging.
Nature lovers will revel in its picturesque outdoor spaces, such as Lake Menomin and the Red Cedar State Trail, perfect for exploring, biking, or a leisurely family picnic. The town’s heart beats strongly with local pride, seen in community events like arts festivals and farmer’s markets. Such gatherings foster a sense of unity and celebration among all who participate.
Education and innovation thrive here, thanks to the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The university injects youthful energy and innovative ideas into the town, enriching both the cultural fabric and economic landscape.
Whether you're indulging in culinary delights at local eateries, shopping in unique downtown boutiques, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Menomonie promises a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. It's more than just a place to live; it's a community where people grow together.
Choosing Between Burial and Cremation
The decision between burial and cremation is often shaped by personal, familial, and cultural considerations. While both options are widely accepted and dignified, each carries its own set of implications that warrant careful thought. Understanding the distinctions can help families make a decision that aligns
with their values and expectations. Burial remains the more traditional practice, often involving a graveside service, a casket, and interment in a cemetery. For some, the permanence of a burial site offers a place of reflection and continuity across generations. Burial may also be influenced by religious
6 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue
Choosing Between Burial and Cremation
The decision between burial and cremation is often shaped by personal, familial, and cultural considerations. While both options are widely accepted and dignified, each carries its own set of implications that warrant careful thought. Understanding the distinctions can help families make a decision that aligns with their values and expectations. Burial remains the more traditional practice, often involving a graveside service, a casket, and interment in a cemetery. For some, the permanence of a burial site offers a place of reflection and continuity across generations. Burial may also be influenced by religious customs or family precedent. Cremation, by contrast, has become increasingly common due to its flexibility and, in some cases, its affordability. Cremated remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or incorporated into memorial objects. It allows for a wider range of memorial timing and location, which can be helpful for families who are geographically dispersed or prefer less formal gatherings. There is no single correct choice between burial and cremation; what matters most is selecting the option that best reflects the individual’s values and the family's needs. In both cases, it is wise to discuss these preferences before a death occurs. Pre-arrangement consultations allow families to explore both options in a thoughtful, unrushed manner. Funeral directors can offer insights into local practices, logistical details, and costs, helping families understand what to expect. Ultimately, the choice is not about conformity but about finding a method of remembrance that feels sincere. Whether one chooses burial or cremation, the goal is the same—to honor the life that was lived in a way that carries meaning for those left behind.
Ryan Olson
range of memorial timing and location, which can be helpful for families who are geographically dispersed or prefer less formal gatherings. There is no single correct choice between burial and cremation; what matters most is selecting the option that best reflects the individual’s values and the family's needs. In both cases, it is wise to discuss these preferences before a death occurs. Pre-arrangement consultations allow families to explore both options in a thoughtful, unrushed manner. Funeral directors can offer insights into local practices, logistical details, and costs, helping families...
customs or family precedent. Cremation, by contrast, has become increasingly common due to its flexibility and, in some cases, its affordability. Cremated remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or incorporated into memorial objects. It allows for a wider
There is no single correct choice between burial and cremation; what matters most is selecting the option that best reflects the ind...
About the Author
Ryan Olson is a fourth-generation member of the Olson Funeral Home family. A 2000 graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College, he’s honored to serve the Menomonie community. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys mountain biking, lifting, and spending time with his wife Lori and their three children.
HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue |7
What to Consider Before Selecting a Flooring Material
Selecting new flooring requires a deliberate approach that accounts for practical requirements more than aesthetic ambition. Each space within a home or business presents a distinct set of circumstances, and those circumstances should guide the material choice. The primary consideration is location within
the structure. Moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or entryways, necessitate water-resistant flooring. Tile and certain vinyl composites hold up well under those conditions. For dry, lower-traffic areas, materials like engineered hardwood or carpeting may be more appropriate. The volume
8 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue
What to Consider Before Selecting a Flooring Material
Selecting new flooring requires a deliberate approach that accounts for practical requirements more than aesthetic ambition. Each space within a home or business presents a distinct set of circumstances, and those circumstances should guide the material choice. The primary consideration is location within the structure. Moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or entryways, necessitate water-resistant flooring. Tile and certain vinyl composites hold up well under those conditions. For dry, lower-traffic areas, materials like engineered hardwood or carpeting may be more appropriate. The volume and nature of foot traffic must also factor into the decision. High-traffic zones, especially those connecting to outside entrances or frequented by children and pets, benefit from durable surfaces that resist scratching and wear. Laminate and luxury vinyl plank offer resilience without the maintenance requirements of real wood. On the other hand, formal rooms or private areas with less activity might accommodate more delicate materials. Moisture and temperature variability can also affect flooring longevity. For instance, regions with fluctuating humidity can cause natural wood to expand or contract, leading to warping or gaps over time. Engineered products, including hybrid planks and waterproof laminates, mitigate these risks through stabilized construction. It is also essential to weigh lifestyle needs against upkeep. Households with pets often choose flooring that resists scratching and is easy to clean. Those with mobility concerns may prioritize flooring transitions and texture. Additionally, some materials demand periodic sealing, while others maintain appearance with routine sweeping and occasional mopping. Finally, although visual preference is understandable, it should not be the primary influence. Flooring functions as a surface for daily life, and its durability and performance will ultimately determine satisfaction.
Nick Hopkins
the maintenance requirements of real wood. On the other hand, formal rooms or private areas with less activity might accommodate more delicate materials. Moisture and temperature variability can also affect flooring longevity. For instance, regions with fluctuating humidity can cause natural wood to expand or contract, leading to warping or gaps over time. Engineered products, including hybrid planks and waterproof laminates, mitigate these risks through stabilized construction. It is also essential to weigh lifestyle needs against upkeep. Households with pets often choose flooring that resists...
and nature of foot traffic must also factor into the decision. High-traffic zones, especially those connecting to outside entrances or frequented by children and pets, benefit from durable surfaces that resist scratching and wear. Laminate and luxury vinyl plank offer resilience without
The most successful flooring choices prioritize utility over appearance.
About the Author
Nick Hopkins, president of Hopkins Floor Company, carries on his family’s legacy with pride and dedication. With deep roots in the Festus community and decades of hands-on experience, Nick is known for his approachable nature, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality that ensures every client feels confident and cared for.
HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue |9
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Menomonie who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in
the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hometown Heroes
12 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Menomonie who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Nestled in western Wisconsin, Menomonie is gaining recognition as a strategic location for industrial expansion and advanced manufacturing. The city benefits from direct access to major transportation corridors, including Interstate 94 and State Highway 29, which streamline distribution throughout the Upper Midwest and beyond. Menomonie Municipal Airport further enhances logistics capabilities for businesses with regional and national reach.
Industrial developers are seeing increased demand for modern facilities, with the Stout Technology and Business Park serving as a prime example of Menomonie’s commitment to fostering innovation and industrial growth. The park offers shovel-ready sites and flexible infrastructure to accommodate a range of manufacturing, logistics, and tech-driven operations.
Workforce development is a central focus in Menomonie. The city partners closely with the University of Wisconsin–Stout and regional technical colleges to provide tailored training
programs and talent pipelines for advanced manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management. Local workforce offices also connect employers with skilled labor and upskilling resources.
Wisconsin’s robust incentive landscape supports business relocation and expansion in Menomonie. Programs such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Business Development Tax Credit and workforce training...
Industrial and Workforce Development
in Menomonie
18 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue
Nestled in western Wisconsin, Menomonie is gaining recognition as a strategic location for industrial expansion and advanced manufacturing. The city benefits from direct access to major transportation corridors, including Interstate 94 and State Highway 29, which streamline distribution throughout the Upper Midwest and beyond. Menomonie Municipal Airport further enhances logistics capabilities for businesses with regional and national reach.
Industrial developers are seeing increased demand for modern facilities, with the Stout Technology and Business Park serving as a prime example of Menomonie’s commitment to fostering innovation and industrial growth. The park offers shovel-ready sites and flexible infrastructure to accommodate a range of manufacturing, logistics, and tech-driven operations.
Workforce development is a central focus in Menomonie. The city partners closely with the University of Wisconsin–Stout and regional technical colleges to provide tailored training programs and talent pipelines for advanced manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management. Local workforce offices also connect employers with skilled labor and upskilling resources.
Wisconsin’s robust incentive landscape supports business relocation and expansion in Menomonie. Programs such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Business Development Tax Credit and workforce training grants help offset costs for new and growing companies. Dunn County and the City of Menomonie also offer site-specific incentives and assistance to encourage industrial investment.
Local incentives, site selection, and business park information.
Hello Menomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue |19
Menomonie Statistics
Quality of Life & Other Advantages
Menomonie offers a small-city atmosphere with affordable living, excellent schools, and access to outdoor recreation along the Red Cedar River and nearby parks.
The presence of the University of Wisconsin–Stout ensures a steady flow of skilled graduates in engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
Reliable infrastructure, including high-speed broadband, utilities, and convenient highway access, supports both business operations and quality of life.
Proudly Partnering with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors
At HelloNation, we are honored to serve as America’s Video Magazine, bringing to life the stories of over 40,000 towns and cities across the country. Our mission is to celebrate the vibrancy, culture, and opportunities in every community, creating a digital platform that informs, inspires, and connects residents, businesses, and newcomers alike.
We are deeply proud to have the support and endorsement of two of the
nation’s most respected organizations: the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Through their partnership, the NLC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors affirm their confidence in HelloNation’s vision and our shared belief in the power of storytelling to highlight the unique character of each community.
Their words underscore the importance of our mission: to make every town and city visible on the national stage, highlighting what makes each one special and worth exploring. Together, with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we are committed to ensuring that every community in America has a voice and a platform to shine. Thank you for supporting our journey as we bring local stories to life, one video at a time.
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
HelloNation
20 | HelloMenomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue
CLICK TO READ
Hello Menomonie, Wisconsin • Fall Issue |21
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.